I've only just read this Henley article/interview - thanks for posting, TF - as well as everyone's valid and interesting comments.Originally Posted by Ive always been a dreamer
Highlighted text: Dreamer, you seem to have got the same impression as I did. I made almost the same comment in another thread in response to yet another Henley put down of the album and his bandmates.
I am a fan of Don's as well, but as I said in the other thread, he should remember that the idea of the interviews he's giving is to encourage people to buy the new album - not only existing fans but new fans, too - and he certainly won't do that by putting it down. I come from a difficult band environment myself, albeit it not on the same level as The Eagles, and I know it can be tough when one doesn't see eye-to-eye with one's bandmates, but a level of discretion and professionalism must be maintained at all times when facing the public. The idea is ALWAYS to promote the band as a unit, and to show a UNITED front. Don is not doing that, and after all the years he has been in this business, surely he has learnt the public relations game. What he is doing is really tactless, I'm sorry to say.
Glenn , on the other hand, ALWAYS exudes positive energy. He ALWAYS heaps praise on ALL his bandmates. Back in 1992, when he was being interviewed by Bob Costas to promote his "Strange Weather" album, he was at pains to point out what a big contribution Don Felder made to The Eagles, despite the history between them. Why can't Don Henley show the same respect towards his bandmates?
Bottom line: it really isn't pleasant for Eagles fans to constantly read such negative comments. We love the band as a whole: we may have our favourites, but The Eagles wouldn't be The Eagles without any one of the guys, and everyone contributes to the music we love so much.
As for Don's comment about "Mr Frey" being the boss - well, he is, isn't he? As far as I know, it was Glenn who approached Don about forming a band in 1971, not the other way around.
There has been much talk about Joe taking a backseat in the band in favour of Steuart Smith. Well, as much as I admire Steuart's skill, I also think Joe is simply brilliant, and should be given more guitar duties, if that is the case on the new album (I'm still waiting for my copy). I would also have preferred seeing Joe perform the "How Long" solo on the CMA's - I thought he did it on the record, seeing that he appeared to be doing so in the video for the song.
I am also of the opinion that Glenn should sing more rockers, as well as play more guitar solos. I simply love him doing both - two of my favourite solo songs of Glenn are "Partytown" and "Love in the 21st Century". His vocals are fantastic and so are his guitar solos. I can barely play those songs enough. It was a tough choice, but "Heartache Tonight" is my favourite Eagles song (Glenn lead vocal on a rocker), and my favourite parts of "Get Over It" are Glenn's blistering guitar intro and solo.
There are many of you who know much more about The Eagles than I do and have seen them live in solo shows and as a group, which I haven't, but on the strength of seeing their DVDs, listening to their albums, and watching the great videos on this site, I have formed my opinions. And they're just my 2c worth.